Posted: August 24th, 2010 | Author: Marie | Filed under: August 2010 | Tags: alice + olivia, Alice + Olivia Celia Vest, Alice + Olivia Sydney Faux Wrap Dress, beso, dresses, fashion, fashion blog, style, style blog | No Comments »
Store Appeal: So if there’s one thing Alice + Olivia are good for – and known for – it’s their impeccable selection of party dresses. The youthful, contemporary line represents the “quirky style” of its founder, Stacey Bendet. In addition to the dresses, the line expands into tops, pants, jackets and even basics (read: white tees with a flair) and some accessories. A kids line and a charity tee selection makes this hipster fashionista brand quite likeable.
Our Vote: With over 60 dresses on their site to choose from, it’s a virtual closet of young Hollywood. Priced well between the $200s and $500s, it’s a great online destination to find that killer cocktail dress that most likely no one else in your circle will have. But probably what’s more entertaining that sifting through the well-stocked online showroom is the “4AM Finds” which truly represents that quirky nature Stacey confesses to have. These pieces include oddball frocks and accessories from other stores like Sephora and Amazon.com that not only make it a pleasure for the online shopper, but make the brand that much more…appealing!
Our Favorites:
1.) Alice + Olivia Tabitha Dress – $198
2.) Alice + Olivia Sydney Faux Wrap Dress – $368
3.) Alice + Olivia CeliaVest – $264
Posted: August 2nd, 2010 | Author: Marie | Filed under: July 2010 | Tags: Be&D, Be&D Dallas Tote, Be&D Kan Kan Tote, Be&D Rizzo Shoes, beso, Beso Blog, Designer Handbags, fashion, fashion blog, handbags, leather, Purses, Shoes, style, style blog, summer 2010, Women's Accessories, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Store Appeal: Very rarely does an American designer craft handbags that could pass for the Old World glory that is seen in Chanel and Balenciaga – with the exception of Marc Jacobs. But many American handbag designers have a very streamlined, modern interpretation, which is not a fault, but they find it hard to recreate what’s already been so successful in Europe for over a century. American designer handbag line Be&D does a brilliant job of melding the two for modern twist on an old favorite, though this is not by accident. Be&D, which was founded in 2004 by Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, is now helmed solely by Dumain, who grew up with an affection for antique luggage and in college studied international business, Spanish and art. The handbags, shoes and other leather goods are modern and sexy, but carry elegant and flattering lines. Just what every woman wants. My personal favorite is the Be&D Kan Kan Tote.
Our Vote: While the online store is easily navigable, the photos are only one-dimensional and can be a bit lackluster, particularly when trying to demonstrate the detail of the fabrics, materials and hardware used on the products. Nonetheless, the shopper still gets a decent idea of what the product might feel and look like in hand, and fortunately, the dimensions and vivid descriptions of the materials used in each product are listed.
Our Favorites:
1. Be&D Kan Kan Tote - $1,390
2. Be&D Rizzo Shoes – $458
3. Be&D Dallas Tote - $895
Posted: July 21st, 2010 | Author: Marie | Filed under: July 2010 | Tags: Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen Draped Jersey Dress, Alexander McQueen Purple Skull and Bee Cocktail Ring, Alexander McQueen Sale, Alexander McQueen Skull Brittana Clutch, beso, Beso Blog, fashion, fashion blog, Shopping, style, style blog, summer 2010, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Store Appeal: In no capacity is it an overstatement to say that Alexander McQueen was a genius. He did more with clothing than most others could dare to dream. His collections mirrored the boundlessness of his imagination. While I’ve never been one for the oddities of fashion, something about McQueen’s visions, which often left the earthly realm, resonated favorably with the general public. It seems insulting to call his runway theatrics mere “fashion shows,” as they were performance art in every sense of the word. The fashion world lost a leader and a visionary – but his legacy lives on through his fashion. I have written about McQueen several times since I began fashion blogging in late 2008, and am privileged to continue doing so. His works of art became my immediate favorites because of his impeccable attention to tailoring and subtle detailing, like the sunbeam stitching found on his shoes and purses, and the hour-glass inducing curvature of his dresses. The McQueen brand is currently offering its spring/summer sale – 60% off – which in the world of high-fashion is both a steal and a crime. Nonetheless, if you are a fan of the McQueen brand, you do not want to forgo the Alexander McQueen sale.
Our Vote: There are less than a dozen McQueen boutiques in the world, so the majority of your McQueen shopping must be done online or in high-end department stores. This leaves many shoppers, such as yours truly, troubled with selecting a size, but luckily they have a generous return policy and customer service to assist. The website is a treat to navigate as it, unlike many other brands of the same nobility, provides high definition, multi-angle product shots of the products. The shopper may find it a bit laughable to click on “trousers and skirts” only to be met with geometric-print lycra leggings – not the typical “trouser” I’m used to, but the Brits are famous for their wry sense of humour. If you have a moment, check out the Alexander McQueen Experience which houses videos of his runway collections and a very moving tribute video.
Our Favorites:
1. Alexander McQueen Draped Jersey Dress – $750
2. Alexander McQueen Purple Skull and Bee Cocktail Ring – $280
3. Alexander McQueen Skull Brittana Clutch – $1,350